Rafael dos Anjos doesn’t intend to break a sweat at UFC 196.
dos Anjos will defend his UFC lightweight championship against Conor McGregor on March 5 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. McGregor figures to pose a big challenge, especially after knocking out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds in his last fight, but dos Anjos hardly seems concerned.
“For me, it’s a normal fight,” dos Anjos told The MMA Hour this week, according to MMAFighting.com. “I feel focused, very in shape. Of course, it’s been different because it’s a big fight. I think it’s not the biggest opponent, not the toughest opponent, but it’s the biggest fight of my career because this guy, the way that he’s been talking, he’s been getting a lot of fans.
“He’s been very popular. But I’ve faced better guys before, stronger guys, better guys. And I think this is just going to be one more fight.”
McGregor has become a household name in the world of mixed martial arts, partly because of his success and partly because of his larger-than-life personality. The Irishman will look to become UFC’s first two-division champion when he squares off with dos Anjos next month, as he already owns the company’s featherweight title.
None of that matters to dos Anjos, though. The Brazilian sounds as confident as ever going into the bout despite playing the role of underdog. As far as he’s concerned, McGregor isn’t all that.
“Man, Ben Henderson, Donald Cerrone … these guys are a different level, man,” dos Anjos said, per MMAFighting.com. “They are stronger, they are faster, they are taller than this guy. I didn’t have a chance to say it to (UFC president) Dana White at the press conference because that guy he didn’t let me speak. But I want to thank Dana White and (UFC chairman) Lorenzo (Fertitta) for finally giving me an easy fight. Finally, I always have tough fights against beasts. And finally, I have an easy fight.”
By this point, you probably got the gist that dos Anjos thinks he’s going to win. Handily.
“My prediction is, I’m going to win, for sure,” dos Anjos said. “I don’t see how this guy can beat me. But, a prediction, this fight will not be five rounds. It’s going to be maybe three or two rounds.
“This guy, he’s not going to be able handle me for more than two rounds. He’s going to break. He’s going to break like a girl.”
Hopefully, dos Anjos goes full Ivan Drago and busts out the “I must break you” upon stepping into the octagon come fight night. It only seems right based on his expectations.
Thumbnail photo via Jason Silva/USA TODAY Sports Images
